Sex Crimes / Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual crimes and child sexual abuse are among the most devastating of
crimes. Through their criminal acts, sex crime and child sexual abuse
offenders can inflict severe physical, emotional, and psychological
trauma on their victims. The effects can be long-lasting; the healing
process can be an arduous one.

The District Attorney’s Office understands this and vigorously
seeks justice for victims of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. The
Sex Crimes Division has experienced, specially trained attorneys
dedicated solely to the prosecution of sex crimes and child sexual abuse
cases within the Central District. The District Attorney’s
Victim Impact Program
ensures that specially trained prosecutors handle sexual abuse cases
throughout all other parts of the County. Whether handled by the
Sex Crimes Division or the Victim Impact Program, cases are
vertically prosecuted. This means that one specialized deputy district
attorney who understands the psychological impact of sexual crimes
handles the case from beginning to end. In the midst of their ordeal,
therefore, victims need to deal with only one attorney and will always
know whom to call with a question.

Because many sexual assailants are repeat offenders, it is
important that victims report sexual assaults to their local police or
sheriff’s station. By reporting crimes, victims help bring an attacker
to justice and prevent further offenses. Reporting a crime and
cooperating with the police also makes victims eligible for free
counseling and for compensation from the state’s fund for victims of
violent crime. The District Attorney’s
Victim-Witness Assistance Program has victim service
representatives who will help sexual assault and child sexual abuse victims
utilize all the resources available to them and ensure that their
rights are protected.